4 Ways To Save Money on Groceries

Undoubtedly, times are hard, and many households logically will look for cheaper alternatives to provide for the family. This includes planning around grocery shopping and devising creative ways to save money while doing it. Reports indicate that at least 77% of American households have existing debts. And with increased awareness of the importance and benefits of being debt-free, it is not surprising that many people want to achieve that. So, if you’re looking for some ideas to save money on groceries, here are a few for consideration.

Save Money on Groceries

Focus on the reduced section

Reports indicate that foods in this section are reduced by as much as 25%. You will find vegetables, fruits, frozen foods, and almost anything else on a standard grocery shopping list. With a little observation, you will notice that this grocery store area is filled with foods reaching their use by dates. This in no way means that the food has expired. 

Instead, the grocery store reduces the rates to quickly get them off the shelves. Most of these foods may not be advisable to consume in three to six months. With this in mind, selecting food items with more than three months left on their shelf is advisable. According to reports, households that shop in the reduced section aisles can save up to 40% of their groceries budget.

Use coupons, discount cards, and vouchers

These are instant money savers in the grocery store. Usually, shopping vouchers and coupons can be lifesavers for bigger families if the focus is on reducing costs. The advantage of most of these shopping cards is the discounts many come with. For example, if you use a ham voucher in the grocery store, you will receive a huge discount when you buy in bulk. Being able to bulk buy food will always get you savings in the long run.

This is one of many secrets shoppers have yet to discover regarding these vouchers and coupons. However, note that it does not apply to all of them. Therefore do your research. 

Purchase what is in season

It is easy to understand why buying seasonal produce saves money. Seasonal food items are heavily stocked in grocery stores and are also cheaper. Due to the abundance of particular food items in specific seasons, prices are reduced to help clear them off the shelves. This strategy works on a simple economic principle – the higher the supply, the lesser the cost. Besides the cost-saving benefits, seasonal produce is fresher, tastier, and packed with more nutrients.

It is a win-win situation: you can feed your family with wholesome and organic foods and save money. Furthermore, seasonal produce is likely to last longer in your refrigerator because they are still fresh. The shortened time from farm to shelf prolongs their lifespan. This is not the same when you buy out-of-season produce that has stayed longer on the shelves and is more expensive.

Choose items from the high and low shelves

In retail shops, this strategy is based on shopper psychology. The belief is that middle shelves are at the shopper’s eye level, increasing the possibility that a customer will pick items from this spot. Therefore, middle-shelf grocery items are usually slightly more expensive. In effect, less expensive grocery items can be found on the upper and lowest shelves. With this tip in mind, you may want to pay more attention when picking food items off the shelves.

Lastly, it would help if you plan your list before stepping out of the house. It reduces or eliminates the risk of impulse buying, which may not be helpful to the decision to save money.